Frito Corn Salad Recipe

Frito Corn Salad is a deliciously crunchy and creamy salad made with sweet corn, colorful veggies, cheese, and topped with Fritos for an addictive crunch. It’s the perfect side dish for summer barbecues, potlucks, or any time you want a fun, flavorful salad. This unique salad has a combination of sweet, creamy, and salty flavors that’s always a hit with a crowd.

Frito Corn Salad

This salad combines the natural sweetness of corn with crunchy bell peppers, creamy dressing, and a generous topping of Fritos. The best part? The Fritos stay crunchy, adding a fun texture that everyone loves. I love how easy this recipe is to make and how it brightens up any meal. It’s versatile, too—you can add your favorite veggies or use different flavors of Fritos for a twist.

Why You’ll Love This Frito Corn Salad

This Frito Corn Salad is easy, colorful, and packed with flavor. It’s creamy and satisfying but also has a crunch that makes it truly unique. I love that it can be made in just minutes and is ideal for feeding a crowd. Plus, it’s an adaptable recipe that can be customized to your taste—you can add a little spice with jalapeños or make it extra cheesy.

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, burgers, or sandwiches, making it a perfect side for any summer gathering.

Main Ingredients in Frito Corn Salad

• Corn: Canned, frozen, or fresh corn adds sweetness and a soft texture.
• Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add color and crunch.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese brings a savory, cheesy flavor to the salad.
• Green Onions: Adds a mild, fresh flavor that complements the corn and cheese.
• Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: These combine to create a creamy dressing for the salad.
• Chili Powder and Garlic Powder: These spices add a touch of warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Fritos Corn Chips: The star topping, adding a salty, crunchy element that makes this salad irresistible.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Frito Corn Salad

Here’s how to make this fun and flavorful salad:

1. Prepare the Corn: Drain the canned corn (if using), or cook and cool fresh or frozen corn. Place the corn in a large mixing bowl.
2. Chop the Vegetables: Dice the bell peppers and slice the green onions. Add them to the bowl with the corn.
3. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, then sprinkle with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and sour cream. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir until all ingredients are well coated.
5. Add the Fritos: Just before serving, crush the Fritos slightly and sprinkle them on top of the salad, or mix them in for extra crunch.
6. Serve: Serve the salad immediately, or if making ahead, wait to add the Fritos until just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Tips for Making the Best Frito Corn Salad

• Add Fritos Last: To keep the Fritos crunchy, add them right before serving.
• Use Fresh Corn in Summer: Fresh corn is especially delicious in this salad, but canned or frozen works well too.
• Customize the Veggies: Add diced jalapeño for a bit of heat, or toss in some chopped cilantro for extra freshness.

How to Store and Serve

This Frito Corn Salad is best enjoyed fresh to keep the Fritos crunchy. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just know that the Fritos may lose some of their crunch.

Serve this salad as a side with grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches. It’s perfect for picnics, BBQs, and potlucks, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!